瑞士独立制表大师 Olivier Kuhn 确认参展！孤品杰作“游龙戏珠”将亮相北京“丹宸天工”中国宫廷美学与当代造物出海展
Beijing, August 27, 2026 – The "Imperial Craftsmanship" Organizing Committee today officially confirmed that renowned Swiss micro-sculptor and independent watchmaker Olivier Kuhn has accepted the invitation to participate in the "Imperial Craftsmanship" Chinese Court Aesthetics and Contemporary Creation Overseas Exhibition in Beijing from October 23 to 25. He will bring his unique mechanical art masterpiece, "The Pearl of the Dragon" watch, which took two years to create.
As a micro-sculptor with a distinguished reputation in Geneva, Switzerland, and the watchmaking industry, Olivier Kuhn has breathed new life into numerous top watch brands and legendary timepieces. The "Pearl of the Dragon" watch, exhibited this time, is not only the pinnacle of his independent watchmaking career but also a comprehensive tribute to ancient Chinese court art and traditional aesthetics.
Ingenious Craftsmanship: Reshaping Micro-Watchmaking Art with Oriental Charm
"The Pearl of the Dragon" watch draws inspiration from ancient Chinese imperial culture and the Nine-Dragon Wall in Beijing's Forbidden City. The entire piece was designed and handcrafted by Olivier Kuhn himself over two years.
Within the inclusive white gold case, a magnificent three-dimensional Chinese dragon, carved from 18K gold, majestically coils over the movement's balance wheel. Both the head and tail of the dragon point upwards, symbolizing "vigor and indomitable spirit."
- Intricate Micro-sculpture and Painting: The golden dragon is carved with 2,185 hand-sculpted scales and richly colored with acrylic paints, bringing the magnificent dragon vividly to life.
- Ingenious Design: A high-quality, genuine pearl, representing the "fire pearl," is set in the dragon's front right claw. Even more astonishing is Olivier Kuhn's clever design for the dragon's eyes – the dragon's eyes only become visible when the hour and minute hands align, ingeniously integrating timekeeping function with artistic interaction.
- Screw-less White Gold Transparent Space: The case features a screw-less design with a towering, transparent domed crystal, allowing viewers to appreciate the transparent and profound three-dimensional relief from all sides and the front, as if the majestic dragon is suspended on the wrist.
"The Pearl of the Dragon" Detailed Technical Specifications
- Work Number: OK-01 (Numbered 1/1, the only unique piece worldwide)
- Release Date: August 2022
- Case Material: 18K White Gold (Screw-less construction)
- Case Dimensions: Diameter 45.25 mm, Thickness 19.40 mm
- Dial Decoration: 18K gold hand-carved three-dimensional coiled dragon (2,185 hand-carved scales), hand-carved scenic background, acrylic painting, selected genuine pearl (fire pearl)
- Movement Type: Manual winding mechanical movement
- Power Reserve: 42 hours
- Vibration Frequency: 19,800 vibrations/hour (2.75 Hz)
- Basic Functions: Hour, minute display
- Water Resistance: 30 meters (3 ATM)
- Strap and Clasp: High-grade leather strap with folding clasp
- Price including VAT: 1,000,000 Swiss Francs
Autumn October: Witness the Collision of Eastern and Western Micro-Sculpture Art
As a prime example of the deep integration of top Western micro-sculpture craftsmanship and traditional Chinese cultural symbols, "The Pearl of the Dragon" watch is not only a masterful hand-crafted watch but also a rare modern art piece. From October 23 to 25, collectors and high-end watch enthusiasts are welcome to visit the exhibition in Beijing to experience the stunning visual and micro-sculptural charm brought by Olivier Kuhn.
About "Imperial Craftsmanship" Chinese Court Aesthetics and Contemporary Creation Overseas Exhibition
- Exhibition Dates: October 23, 2026 - Jan 16, 2027
- Exhibition Venue: National Foreign Cultural Trade Base (Beijing), Building D7, 3rd Floor
- Organizers: National Foreign Cultural Trade Base (Beijing), Clock and Watch Professional Committee of the Chinese Society of Cultural Relics
- Co-organizers: Academic Committee of the China Cultural Industry Association, Research Group on Inheritance of Qing Dynasty Court Craftsmanship Exemplars at the Palace Museum
- Ticket Price: Free for general public; 100 RMB for professional visitors (includes professional guided tour, salon seating, tea and drinks)